Bathtub



June 29 1926. 1,590,286

F. M. DAVlS BATHTUB Filed April l5, 1922 LM-/ @7PM/mg@ Patented June 29, 1926.

UNITED STATES FRED M. DAVIS, 0F CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

BATHTUB.

Application filed April 15, 1922.

This invention relates to bath tubs and means for heating water therein and adjusting the temperature thereof, and especially to bath tubs having means for heating the water' directly in the tub.

It often happens in connection with bath tubs piped for hot water or for hot and cold water that the furnace for heating the water is out of order, or that the lire is low, or that someone has run off or used all of the hot water, and it may take an hour or more for the usual heater device to supply more hot water, or the tire may be entirely out. I obviate this difficulty and save delay by supplying a heating device directly to the tub. Though I contemplate its use mainly as an auxiliary to the usual furnace or boiler source of heat or hot water, still I recognize that it might be depended upon regardless of any other source, as for instance where the tub is piped for cold water only, as is customary in Some regions, as in the South.

I, therefore, provide an electric heater on or in the bottom part of the bath tub and substantially unitary therewith.

The main objects of the invention are to provide a bath tub of improved form having electrical heating means substantially unitary therewith; to provide such means in a position adapted to transmit the heat readily to the water in the tub; to provide a tub of this character adapted for cleanliness and sanitation; to provide for interchangeable heater units adapted for ready replacement in case of burn outs; and to provide an arrangement of such units adapted to permit uninterrupted operation in case-one or more units fail.

Two illustrative embodiments of this iuvention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a vertical cross section on the line 1-1 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section on the line 2 2 of Figure 17 Fig. 3 is an underneath plan of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Fig. t is a greatly enlarged detail showing one of the interchangeable units in place.

Fig. 5 is a cross section of a modified construction.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, the tub 1, which may be of enameled pressed steel or other material adapted for such use, is pro- Serial No. 553,265.

vided with an electric heater 2 disposed in or against the under side of thi`Av bottom. This heater is connected to a source of current by means of a manual switch 3, an automatic thermostat 4., and wiring connections 5.

The tub is preferably equipped with the usual hot and cold water faucets. 6, and under ordinary circumstances the temperature of the water may be adjusted by use of these faucets without making use of the` electrical heating attachment. The heater 2 is preferably of composite character and includes a series of interchangeable units 7 connected and arranged as will be described. In order to conserve heat and direct the energy upward through the heat conducting bottom of the tub, a layer of heat insulating material 8 is provided, preferably inthe form of a heavy sheet or pad of asbestos felt, and this is held in place by a removable bottom plate 9, secured by screws 10 fitting in the threaded holders 10 in the edge of the tub bottom.

In order that the units 7 may be interchangeable, a pair of conductor bars 11 are disposed lengthwise of the tub in spaced relation, and the units 7 are connected there to by means of a head and socket construction.

Each unit 7 comprises a helical winding 12 of suitable resistance wire disposed on a core 13, which may well be of porcelain. Said core is provided at each end with a conducting cap 14 adapted to fit snugly, but interchangeable in the socket 1l of bar 11.

The tub 1 is provided with a downwardly extending support or foot member 15 at each end. Between the feet 15 a peripheral fiange or wall member 16 is provided, the lower edge of which is adapted to provide a seat for the cover 9.

An outlet pipe 17 is provided for the tub substantially as usual in such devices. The bottom wall 18 of the tub is preferably thin, and may to advantage be formed of metal especially adapted for heat conduction, as, for instance, a copper plate.

Referring to Fig. 5 which shows a modified form of construction, the tube 19 comprises mainly a metal wall or body part 20, preferably covered with enamel 21 on both the inside and outside. Electrical heating means 22 are embedded in the enamel, preferably on thc outside of the wall member 20 on the bottom part of the tub. The heater element 22 is preferably in the form of e resistance Wire connected in series With the line switch 3, thermostat 4, and Wiring connections 5, similar to the Connections shown in connec-tion with the iirst described embodiment. f

In ease the heater elements are disposed on theoutside of Well 20, e heat insulating eovering 23 may to advantage be provided, es, for instance. a layer of asbestos or the like, which may be fastened on permanently in any manner that may be preferable. 'in order to support the main body of the tub Clear of the ioor, leg members 24 may be provided as will be understood.

Hot and cold Water faucets are shown in connection with the tub 19 substantially as provided on tub l. An outlet is also provided at one end7 provided with a removable closure 25, es. will also be apparent.

Although but two specific embodiments of this invention are herein shown and de scribed it Will be understood that numerous details of the constructions shown may be altered or omitted Without departing from the spirit of this invention es `defined 'by the following claim.

I claim.:

A bath tub having an aperture formed in the underside of its bottom part, in combination with a pair of parallelly disposed conductors speoed apart and provided with a plurality of interchangeable heater units, said bars having oppositely disposed sockets to receive said units, Vand said units having heads on their opposite ends to iitfinv'saifil sockets.

Signed at Chicago this 13th day of April, 1922.

FRED M. Devis. 

